More home woe for Buxton as Harriers prevail

There was one change in the Buxton line-up from the team that won at Merthyr Town last week with Luke Brennan starting instead of the departed Zac Gilsenan and the bench was boosted by the return of Kurt Willoughby from suspension.

George Ward was ill so there was also a welcome return to the bench for forward Sam Tomlinson after a shoulder injury.

The visitors created the first opportunity when captain Charlie Cooper sent a free kick straight into the hands of Paul Cooper.

Moments later Brennan went down inside the penalty area under pressure, but the referee dismissed the appeals and allowed play to continue.

In the 15th minute Kieran Burton worked space before laying the ball back for Brennan, while Johnny Johnston’s effort was quickly blocked by the defence. At the other end Reece Devine surged forward and delivered a cross towards Kieren Donnelly, whose header forced a sharp reaction save from Cooper to keep the scores level.

The away side broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Seb Thompson struck a free kick from around 25 yards that flew into the back of the net.

Cooper was called into action again soon after, making what proved to be his final contribution as he denied Ryley Reynolds with a low stop. The Buxton goalkeeper was unable to continue following the save and had to be replaced with Joe Young coming on from the bench.

Buxton found their equaliser in the 37th minute when Johnston unleashed a powerful shot that took a deflection off a Kidderminster defender before beating the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

However, the Harriers regained the advantage deep into added time before the interval when the ball broke kindly for Reynolds, who fired home. Young managed to get a hand to the effort but could not prevent it from crossing the line.

Buxton began the second half brightly as Max Bardell drove forward through midfield before sending a shot narrowly wide of the post.

The hosts continued to push for another leveller and Cian Coleman later drilled a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, though no teammate was able to apply the finishing touch. Brennan then delivered a free kick from the right towards Kirby, whose attempt deflected over the crossbar.

Kidderminster extended their lead in the 75th minute when Amari Morgan-Smith reacted quickest in the box and smashed the ball into an unguarded net from close range.

The Harriers nearly added another late on as Donnelly raced clear of the defence, although Young reacted quickly to rush from his line and make the save.

Buxton: Cooper (Young); Bardell, Flint (Kirby), Burton; Trueman, Mee; Douglas, Coleman (Hill), Brennan; Johnston (McLean), Dawson (Willoughby). Unused Subs: Tomlinson & Balfe.